How Much Does a Blimpie Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$90K – $589K
Franchise Fee
$18K
Royalty
the greater of (i) 6% of total weekly Gross Sales or (ii) $300 per week
Ad Fund
4.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Blimpie is $18K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Blimpie franchise requires a total investment of $90K – $589K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $15K to $20K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Blimpie franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: the greater of (i) 6% of total weekly Gross Sales or (ii) $300 per week. The advertising or brand fund contribution is 4.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $75.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Blimpie requires working capital of $15K – $20K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
Blimpie does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View Blimpie?
SBA Loans Issued
524
Default Rate
30.7%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Blimpie has 524 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 30.7%, which is above the franchise industry average, suggesting higher lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Blimpie franchise owners
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